BANZARE meteorological log

Meteorological log kept on the first cruise of the British, Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition (BANZARE) from 8 February to 29 March 1930.

Douglas Mawson (1882-1958) was born at Shipley, England, and emigrated to New South Wales in 1884. He was appointed lecturer in mineralogy and petrology at the University of Adelaide in 1905 and later Professor of Geology and Mineralogy (1920-52).

On field trips in South Australia, Mawson researched glaciers, but as only the deposits, not the glaciers themselves, remained in the outback, so joining Ernest Shackleton's Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (1907-1909) provided an opportunity to further his studies.

The Australasian Antarctic Expedition (1911-1914) travelling on the ship Aurora established Australian interests in the area. Mawson was the sole survivor of a tragic scientific expedition with Lieutenant Belgrave Ninnis and Xavier Mertz, after he endured an epic lone sledge trip back to base camp.

Convinced that Australia should be a major influence in the region, Mawson lobbied for further expeditions to Antarctica. He led the British, Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition (BANZARE)  during 1929-1931.

The first permanent Antarctic station was named after Mawson, and his image appears on the Australian $100 note.

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